The Principles of Mathematics.

“THE EXPLANATION OF THE FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS WHICH MATHEMATICS ACCEPTS AS INDEFINABLE”: Rare First Edition of Bertrand Russell's The Principles of Mathematics

The Principles of Mathematics.

Russell, Bertrand.

$4,200.00

Item Number: 36082

Cambridge: Cambridge: University Press, 1903.

First edition of this foundational work of mathematics, the first in English on the subject. Octavo, original blue cloth, titles to the spine in gilt. In near fine condition, with light rubbing. From the library of philosopher and historian of mathematics Dietrich Mahnke dated June 1939 on front pastedown, noting that the marginalia are those of the previous owner, Professor Friedrich Kunke. Rare and desirable with noted provenance.

In 1959 Russell wrote My Philosophical Development, in which he recalled the impetus to write the Principles, "It was at the International Congress of Philosophy in Paris in the year 1900 that I became aware of the importance of logical reform for the philosophy of mathematics. ... I was impressed by the fact that, in every discussion, [Peano] showed more precision and more logical rigour than was shown by anybody else. ... It was [Peano's works] that gave the impetus to my own views on the principles of mathematics." This work was supposed to be followed by a second volume that would explain, entirely in symbolic terms, the relationship of logic to mathematics. However, after finding out that his mentor, Alfred Whitehead, planned to published a similar work, Russell approached Whitehead about a collaboration. The result was Principia Mathematica, published between 1910 and 1913.

First edition of one of the greatest philosophers of the twentieth century’s autobiography. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Bertrand Russell on the front free endpaper. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Rare and desirable signed.

Price:
$2,800.00

First edition. Octavo, original cloth. Inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper to his publisher, “To Horace Liveright from Bertrand Russell with love & admiration.” The recipient, Horace Liverightwas an American publisher and stage producer. With Albert Boni, he founded the Modern Library and Boni & Liveright publishers. He published the books of numerous influential American and British authors. In 1917 Liveright founded the Modern Library. It was formed as a reprinting line, publishing inexpensive books from European modernists, while Liveright published the work of contemporary Americans. Liveright published work by T. S. Eliot (The Waste Land), Charles Fort (The Book of the Damned), Theodore Dreiser (An American Tragedy), and Bertrand Russell (Marriage and Morals). The company also published the first books by Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Hart Crane, Dorothy Parker, and S. J. Perelman. Housed in a custom cloth clamshell box. A significant association.

Price:
$7,800.00

First edition of this classic work that is universally acclaimed as the most outstanding work on the subject of Western philosophy. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Bertrand Russell on the title page. Fine in a very good dust jacket with some light rubbing and wear. Signed copies are exceptionally rare, none have appeared at auction in 60 years.

First edition of the Nobel Prize-winning economist’s first book, an introduction to J.M. Keynes’ work. Octavo, original red cloth. Near fine in a very good dust jacket with some wear and tear. Inscribed by Lawrence Klein on the title page.

First edition of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Milton Friedman on the front free endpaper. Light rubbing to the bottom cloth, near fine in a very good dust jacket with some light wear to the extremities and a chip to the crown of the spine. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. Rare in the original dust jacket and signed.

Price:
$17,500.00

Autograph letter signed by Milton Friedman to journalist John Chamberlain, dated March 19, 1976, just seven months before Friedman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics. The recipient John Chamberlain was a well-known journalist, business and economic historian, syndicated columnist and literary critic. A nice association linking these great twentieth century intellects. Matted and in a gilt frame.